Let's begin this study in prayer...
Psalm 19:7-11The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the Lord are sure and altogether righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb. By them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.
I. THE BIBLE IS THE WORD OF GOD
As we saw in our last topic, the Bible is God's Word. In order to see
this, let us read,
2 Peter 1:20-21
As another confirmation to this fact, let us just read what Paul
wrote to the church in Galatia:
Galatians 1:11-12
QUESTION: When Paul said by revelation, what did he mean?
Well, we get our answer by reading what Ananias said to Paul after
Paul was blinded by Jesus appearing to him on the way to Damascus.
Acts 22:12-15
Given that the Bible is God's Word, let us now consider some of the
following characteristics of God's Word.
II. CHARACTERISTICS OF GOD'S WORD
A. GOD'S WORD IS "TRUTH"
In order to see this, let us read what God said through the
prophet Isaiah.
Isaiah 45:19
In fact as you read the New Testament just notice how many times
Jesus opens His Teachings or responses by saying: "I tell you
the Truth .... ". In fact, let us just read an example:
Matthew 5:17-18
Given that God's Word is Truth, let us now consider some of the
benefits of reading it.....OK?
1. GOD'S WORD IS A REALITY, A FACT, NEVER TO CHANGE
To see this, let us read what God said through Balaam as he
prophesied over Israel.
Numbers 23:19
In other words God will do what He says. Perhaps put
another way, you can trust God to do what He says.
We also find that in being Truth,
2. GOD'S WORD IS ETERNAL (DOES NOT CHANGE WITH TIME)
This is given to us by reading what Jesus said to His
disciples as He was teaching them about the signs of the
end of the age.
Matthew 24:35
Since God's Word is Truth, we find that,
3. GOD'S WORD IS A MEASURE (or) PLUMB BOB, IT JUDGES OUR
THOUGHTS AND ATTITUDES
Hebrews 4:12-13
Consequently, we find that,
4. THE WORD IS USED FOR TEACHING, CORRECTION AND REPROOF
To see this, let us read a small portion of Paul's letter
of instruction to Timothy.
2 Timothy 3:16-17
But most importantly we find that,
5. GOD'S WORD LEADS US TO JESUS CHRIST
As we read His Word we become convicted of how far we are
from God and His ways,
Romans 3:19-24
Once convicted of our sins, we find ourselves looking for
help and coming to Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of our
sins.
Colossians 1:13-14
In addition to being Truth, we also find that:
B. GOD'S WORD IS "LIFE"
In order to see this, let us examine the following observations:
1. GOD SPOKE THE WORLD INTO EXISTENCE
To see this, let us begin with,
Hebrews 11:3
Looking into this in a bit more depth, we have:
Genesis 1:3, 1:6, and 1:9
NOTE: God said ...
We also find that,
2. GOD'S WORD IS SPIRITUAL FOOD
Deuteronomy 8:3
However, we must be very careful here in thinking that the
Scriptures themselves provide life for they are only
intended to be the means by which we are led to the life
giver Himself ... Jesus.
To see this, let us first of all not forget what Jesus said
to Martha just before He raised Lazarus from the tomb.
John 11:25-26
And so what we find again is that,
3. GOD'S WORD LEADS US TO JESUS CHRIST
Hence, we must heed the correction Jesus gave to the Jews
who were trying to discredit Him.
John 5:39-40
This now brings us to our last characteristic to review, namely,
C. GOD'S WORD IS THE "WAY" TO SALVATION
Let us begin by reading the following words that Paul wrote to
the Romans.
Romans 1:16-17
QUESTION: By faith in what or who?
Well, we find our answer by reading an excerpt from one of
Paul's instructions to Timothy.
2 Timothy 3:15
Namely, by faith in Jesus Christ.
QUESTION: What is this faith that is spoken of?
Well, in order to find out, let us return to Romans and read:
Romans 10:9-13
QUESTION: How does one get this faith?
Well, let us return to God's Word and read,
Romans 10:17
And so we see that. God's Word provides us truth, life, and the way
to salvation because it leads us to Jesus. For remember,
III. JESUS "IS" THE WAY, THE TRUTH, AND THE LIFE
We find this by reading what Jesus said to Thomas in order to prepare
Thomas for His (Jesus') upcoming death and resurrection.
John 14:6
In other words what Jesus is telling us is that no one can receive
eternal life except through Him (Jesus Christ Himself). And this is
exactly what we find by reading,
Acts 4:12
Oh my, oh my, what unity there is between God and His written Word!
Let's end this study in prayer...
Romans 15:4-6For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Read the book by John Sweet, Jr.
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